The atmosphere was electric at Red Bull Arena, as the Gotham FC loyal waited out the weather to see their team in action on Saturday night.
Gotham FC’s Home Opener was a fun and festive day as those in attendance were introduced to the franchise’s new pre-match ceremony of the lighting of the Gotham FC Torch . The Ceremony included members of Gotham FC’s official supporters group Cloud 9, along with the team’s owners Eli Manning and Carli Lloyd.
Fans can check out the video from the First Ever Torch Lighting ceremony by clicking on the link seen here:
In addition to Manning and Lloyd there were plenty of star power on the field, the ladies of Gotham FC and the OL Reign put on a heck of a soccer match.
Some photos from the Gotham FC Match vs OL Reign. By: Stacy Podelski/1495Sports
The fans waiting out 90 minutes thanks to the lighting strikes that were in the area, found the wait was worth it as the night featured plenty of action for both squads it was the OL Reign coming out on top by a final of 2-0, as the team’s stellar defense was able to keep Gotham off the scoreboard.
The First Half of play kept the fans on the edge of their seats, as both teams had five shots on the net. Gotham FC was inches away from getting their home opening goal, that included wonderful opportunities at the 11th and 45th minute as Midge Purce combined with Kristie Mewis for a great scoring chance.
It was in the 31st minute that Rose Lavelle sent a ball to Jess Fishlock, who aimed the ball to the bottom right corner of the net, that gave the OL Reign the 1-0 lead. Later on as the action progressed Bethany Balcer was able to double the lead in the 62nd minute.
There were so many great scoring chances for Gotham FC though, as those in attendance were oohing and ahhing with the many missed shots.
Purce along with Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan were the co-players in the match as they had jaw-dropping moments and scoring opportunities for Gotham FC.
Fans can hear what Ryan had to say about her scoring opportunities and more by clicking on the video below:
Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós utilized his bench as the action progressed, as Jenna Nighswonger, McCall Zerboni, Victoria Pickett, Taylor Smith and Sinead Farrelly all saw time on the pitch. For Farrelly that was her Gotham FC debut, as she hopes to be a huge part of the team’s success going forward.
Gotham FC can check out the video below as Coach Juan Carlos Amorós shared these thoughts:
Gotham FC will have a chance to train and build more chemistry with each other prior to the team’s next road match on April 15, as they will take on the Orlando Pride at Exploria Stadium. The next time Gotham FC will be at Red Bull Arena will be on Wednesday April 19 as they will take on the Washington Spirit in a Challenge Cup match.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: